14th February, 2024 | Volume – 03 – 01/02
In a major move that would enable India to maintain its preeminence position in the Indian Ocean Region, PM Narendra Modi through video-conference on February 12 launched UPI systems in both Sri Lanka and Mauritius. RuPay cards was also introduced in Mauritius. In Africa, its key economy — South Africa — an Indian Ocean Region power will hold elections in 2024 and political campaign has started gaining momentum. Opposition parties were not impressed with S African president State of the Nation Address. The controversial leader of South Africa’s third largest political party promised during an address to his supporters a Feb 10 to create jobs for millions of the country’s unemployed and turn around its economy. Meanwhile in an interesting development Tanzanian President called on Pope Francis at the Vatican City on February 12. Comparative research has begun in Seychelles by scientists from the University of Autonoma in Barcelona, Spain, on fossils and sediments that will help them understand how the island nation has changed compared to other islands of the world.
All Africa | 9th February 2024
‘Not surprised’ was the reaction of some veteran MPs to this year’s Sona. With an election looming, many opposition parties believed Cyril Ramaphosa used the event to campaign for the ANC. For the first time in several years, there were no interruptions or points of order called by members of Parliament during the State of the Nation Address (Sona) delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday. The EFF boycotted the event after party leader Julius Malema and five other MPs failed to have their suspensions from the House overturned by a court. But other opposition parties reacted strongly to the last Sona under South Africa’s sixth administration, saying Ramaphosa offered only empty promises and delivered a campaign speech ahead of this year’s elections – for which he did not announce a date.
Leader of South African opposition party promises jobs, land ahead of election
Associated Press | 11th February 2024
The controversial leader of South Africa’s third largest political party promised Saturday (Feb 10) to create jobs for millions of the country’s unemployed and turn around its economy as he seeks to attract voters ahead of a much anticipated general election. Economic Freedom Fighters party founder Julius Malema addressed a packed 56,000-capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium in the coastal city of Durban as he launched the party’s election manifesto to the delight of supporters.
Comparative research starts on Seychelles to understand how islands evolved
Seychelles News Agency | 11th February 2024
Comparative research has begun in Seychelles by scientists from the University of Autonoma in Barcelona, Spain, on fossils and sediments that will help them understand how the island nation has changed compared to other islands of the world. The research that will be conducted on the three most populated islands, Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, is being done in collaboration with the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), funded through the European Research Council (ERC) consolidator grant.Â
Tanzania’s President to hold tête-à -tête talks with Pope Francis in Vatican
Daily News | 11th February 2024
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to meet and hold tête-à -tête conversations with Pope Francis as she begins her visit to Vatican City on Monday (Feb 12). The invitation for President Samia’s visit came directly from Pope Francis, as confirmed by Mr January Makamba, Tanzania’s Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, on his official X (formerly Twitter) platform on Sunday afternoon. Makamba stated that upon her arrival, President Samia will be welcomed by Pope Francis at his offices, where they will engage in private discussions. Following their tête-à -tête, the head of the Catholic Church will meet with President Samia’s entire delegation, according to the Minister.
